Love Means No Shame - Andrew Grey

middle of the yard, taking a minute to look around. The last several months had been both happy and sad. Losing his father had been hard, but he would never have found Eli without his father’s passing. It was definitely a bittersweet thought. The purchase of the Winters’ farm had gone off without a hitch. Frank had already planned all of the acreage for the next year, and they were making plans for future years. He’d even taken to puttering around the barn, helping with repairs. There was also the possibility of purchasing some additional hayfields, but that was for the future. Geoff couldn’t stop himself from looking all around him. The farm was profitable, and much of the money he’d used to buy land had been replaced. Life was indeed good.
    Geoff began to feel the cold starting to seep through his clothes, so he headed toward the house, filling his arms with firewood before opening the back door.

    The house was still quiet as he put the wood near the stove and began peeling off his winter gear. Opening the back cupboard in the laundry room, he pulled out the rest of the presents, placing them 204
    Love Means … NO SHAME
under the tree. With a sneaky smile, he went back upstairs, undressed, and crawled back into bed.
Eli curled up to him and then jerked away. “Geez, where have you been? I’m not cuddling up to an ice cube.”
“This ice cube just fed and watered all the horses so you don’t have to get out of bed.”
    Eli gingerly kissed Geoff. “Thank you, but don’t put your cold parts on me.” Eli shifted away again, nearly falling off the mattress as Geoff started rubbing his butt. “No fair, you’re too cold.” Geoff slunk away. “That’s not cold.” He reached over and pulled Eli to him. “This is cold.” Eli shivered and tried to get away, but Geoff held him close.
    “You’re nice and warm.”

    Eli slapped him playfully. “And you’re mean.” Then he settled next to Geoff, finally cuddling close as he warmed up. “Just don’t put your feet on me.” “I love you too much for that.” Geoff’s feet were like ice, even to him. “Merry Christmas, Tiger.” He nuzzled Eli’s neck, sucking gently on the warm skin.

    “Merry Christmas.” Eli rolled over, pressing close to Geoff.

    “Love you.” Eli leaned close, nibbling on Geoff’s ear. “Is it time for presents?” Before Geoff could react, Eli was out of bed running for the bathroom, laughing like a kid the entire way.
    Shaking his head, Geoff got out of bed and pulled on some sweats and socks before going downstairs. Eli had gone a little nuts with the Christmas decorations. There were pine boughs strung everywhere. The house smelled like a forest. Eli had never had a Christmas tree before, so Len had taken him along when he looked for one to cut. Len said Eli had insisted on this tree—the top of it touched the ceiling. Geoff plugged in the lights on the tree and stood 205
    Andrew Grey

    back. Eli had insisted on using only homemade ornaments, and they’d spent a lot of evenings making paper stars, painting wooden cutouts, and stringing popcorn and cranberries. Geoff turned around and saw Eli coming down the stairs.
    “I thought you were crazy, but this is the best Christmas tree I’ve ever seen.” It was stunning, covered in the ornaments they’d made together. Eli moved into his arms. “Who’s coming for dinner?”
“My Aunt Mari, Aunt Vicki and the family, along with Frank and Penny Winters.”
    “Maybe I should ask the really important question—who’s cooking all the food? And don’t you dare say you are.” Geoff laughed. “Aunt Mari and Aunt Vicki are actually doing the cooking. Well, most of it other than all the stuff you’ve baked for the last three days.” Eli had filled the house with the scent of enough baking cookies, fresh bread, candy, and sweets to delight even Scrooge. “You’ve really made this Christmas special in so many ways. I know it’s been hard for you being away from your family.”
    “You’re my family, and it has been special, very special.” They leaned together, kissing softly in the glow of the twinkling lights on the tree.
    “You’re so beautiful and handsome. I love you so much.” Geoff tilted Eli’s head gently and kissed him again, their bodies pressed together on their own, each finding the other. Geoff was tempted—how wonderful would it be to make love right here under the tree? But Len would be down soon. “Do you want your big present now or